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From Alumni Leaders to Philanthropic Advocates: Building a Pathway from Alumni Boards to Foundation Boards

Tracks
Philanthropy
Monday, January 12, 2026
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Overview

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Details

Alumni boards often serve as a training ground for future philanthropic leaders, providing opportunities for alumni to engage, build affinity, and develop governance experience. This session will explore how alumni relations professionals can intentionally cultivate alumni board members to prepare them for service on higher-level philanthropic foundation boards. The presentation will highlight strategies for identifying potential leaders, fostering a culture of giving and engagement, and aligning alumni board service with the long-term needs of the foundation. Participants will gain insights into how this pipeline approach strengthens both alumni engagement and philanthropic board development across the CSU.


Speaker

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Michael Arteaga
Senior Alumni Relations Officer
CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation

From Alumni Leaders to Philanthropic Advocates: Building a Pathway from Alumni Boards to Foundation Boards

Abstract

Alumni boards often serve as a training ground for future philanthropic leaders, providing opportunities for alumni to engage, build affinity, and develop governance experience. This session will explore how alumni relations professionals can intentionally cultivate alumni board members to prepare them for service on higher-level philanthropic foundation boards. The presentation will highlight strategies for identifying potential leaders, fostering a culture of giving and engagement, and aligning alumni board service with the long-term needs of the foundation. Participants will gain insights into how this pipeline approach strengthens both alumni engagement and philanthropic board development across the CSU.

Biography

Michael Arteaga is the Senior Alumni Relations Officer of Alumni Relations at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). He is also a two-time graduate of CSUSB earning his BA in Business Management and MA in Communication Studies. Mike completed his Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Azusa Pacific University with his research focused on alumni and student mentorship. For the last five years, he has worked to develop ongoing engagement opportunities for alumni that support students including the Coyote Network mentoring program linking students and alumni. He also plays a key role in supporting the CSUSB Alumni Chapters who all support the advancement of students and alumni. In his role, he keeps the importance of DEI at the forefront of his work.
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Crystal Wymer-Lucero
Director of Alumni Relations
CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation

From Alumni Leaders to Philanthropic Advocates: Building a Pathway from Alumni Boards to Foundation Boards

Biography

Dr. Crystal A. Wymer‑Lucero is the Director of Alumni Relations at California State University, San Bernardino, and brings over two decades of experience in public higher education. A proud two‑time alumna, she holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s in integrated marketing from CSUSB—and in 2025, earned her doctorate, with her dissertation centered on engaging alumni in student recruitment. Crystal leads strategic alumni engagement efforts, managing volunteer leadership programs, regional outreach, alumni marketing, and digital campaigns that serve more than 130,000 CSUSB alumni worldwide. Under Crystal's leadership - alumni volunteer participation has increased nearly 400% since 2015, the Alumni Workshop Series reached over 400 unique alumni, and the Alumni Mentor Program grew nearly 200%. Crystal’s work has garnered national recognition, including industry awards for alumni relations programming. She also holds a leadership role as Programs Committee Chair on the CSU Alumni Council.
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